Sounding Off on Soccer: Dan Brower reflects on building Steel City FC’s culture, historic 2026 run and stepping down as Head Coach

On the latest episode of Sounding Off on Soccer, host John Krysinsky is joined by outgoing Steel City FC Men’s First Team Head Coach Dan Brower.

Brower, who has been instrumental in the club’s rise from its early grassroots academy days to establishing a national USL League Two contender, reflects on a historic 2026 campaign that saw the Great Forest Division champions complete an undefeated regular season and capture the program’s first-ever USL2 playoff victory.

In this wide-ranging conversation, Brower breaks down the decision to transition out as Head Coach, the “sustainable performance culture” that defined his tenure, the player development pipeline in Western PA, and his thoughts on attending the USMNT’s World Cup Round of 16 match against Belgium.

Key Interview Highlights

• Building from Grassroots to USL2: How Steel City FC developed a First Team model rooted in family culture, player trust, and local talent.

• The Historic 2026 Campaign: Reflections on an undefeated regular season, overcoming venue and wildfire smoke adversity in the Round of 32 win over Northern Indiana, and a 2-1 battle against Flint City Bucks.

• Player Autonomy & Development: How trusting players like Ryan Kopay, Jaxon Ervin, Josh Lane, and Nick Graeca allowed the team to solve tactical problems on the pitch.

• USMNT Experience: Brower’s personal takeaways from traveling to watch the USMNT on the international stage.

• What’s Next: Brower’s vision for the future of Steel City FC and his personal next chapter.

Listen / Watch Below

John Krysinsky

John Krysinsky has covered soccer and other sports for many years for various publications and media outlets. He is also author of 'Miracle on the Mon' -- a book about the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, which chronicles the club, particularly the early years of Highmark Stadium with the narrative leading up to and centered around a remarkable match that helped provide a spark for the franchise. John has covered sports for Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, DK Pittsburgh Sports, Pittsburgh Sports Report, has served as color commentator on Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC broadcasts, and worked with OPTA Stats and broadcast teams for US Open Cup and International Champions Cup matches held in the US. Krysinsky also served as the Head Men’s Soccer Coach at his alma mater, Point Park University, where he led the Pioneers to the first-ever winning seasons and playoff berths (1996-98); head coach of North Catholic boys (2007-08), associate head coach of Shady Side Academy boys (2009-2014).